crossword beast of burden – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the crossword clue "crossword beast of burden", helping you solve your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "crossword beast of burden" by Letter Count
2 Letters
OX: A castrated male bovine, commonly used as a draft animal, often for pulling plows or carts. It's a very common crossword answer due to its short length and direct meaning.
3 Letters
ASS: A donkey, known for its sturdiness and historical use in carrying loads, especially in difficult terrains. This word is a frequent filler in crossword grids.
4 Letters
MULE: A hybrid animal, the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, valued for its strength, endurance, and sure-footedness in rugged environments. Mules are classic beasts of burden.
6 Letters
DONKEY: A domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family, widely used as a pack animal due to its resilience and ability to carry heavy loads. It is a more specific term for an ass.
More About "crossword beast of burden"
The term "beast of burden" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often appearing as a clue that requires a common, often short, animal name. These animals are characterized by their utility in performing physical labor, whether it's pulling carts, plowing fields, or carrying supplies over long distances. The most frequently seen answers, such as OX, ASS, and MULE, are popular not just for their definition but also for their convenient letter lengths, which fit neatly into various grid configurations.
Understanding the nuances of these common crossword entries can significantly speed up your solving process. An "ox" typically refers to a bovine used for work, while an "ass" is another name for a donkey. The "mule," a hybrid, combines the best qualities of its parent species, making it a robust worker. Crossword setters love these terms because they are universally understood and have strong, singular meanings, making them reliable answers even for novice solvers.
When you encounter this clue, always consider the letter count first. A 2-letter answer almost certainly points to OX, while 3 letters will often be ASS. Longer answers like MULE or DONKEY are also strong contenders depending on the space available. Familiarity with these specific animals and their roles throughout history is key to mastering this common crossword trope.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: For clues like "beast of burden," always check the number of letters required. Short answers (2-4 letters) are extremely common for this type of clue.
- Think of Common Working Animals: Brainstorm animals historically used for labor – OX, ASS, MULE, DONKEY are the most frequent. Less common but possible: HORSE, CAMEL, LLAMA.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities. If an 'X' is provided for a two-letter word, 'OX' becomes a very strong candidate.
- Check for Plurals or Variations: Sometimes clues might hint at plurals (e.g., "beasts of burden" for OXEN) or less common synonyms, but start with the most direct single-word answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "beast of burden" in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, a "beast of burden" refers to an animal used for carrying loads or pulling carts, plows, etc. Common answers include OX, ASS, MULE, and DONKEY, which are frequently used due to their short, common letter counts and widespread recognition as working animals.
Why are "OX" and "ASS" such common crossword answers?
"OX" and "ASS" are particularly popular crossword answers due to their short letter counts (2 and 3 letters, respectively) and their direct, unambiguous association with the term "beasts of burden." Their brevity makes them ideal for fitting into smaller slots within crossword grids.
Are there other animals considered "beasts of burden" in general knowledge that might appear in crosswords?
Beyond the common short answers like OX, ASS, MULE, and DONKEY, other animals such as HORSES, CAMELS, LLAMAS, and ELEPHANTS also serve as beasts of burden in various parts of the world. While less frequent due to their longer names, they can sometimes appear in crosswords depending on the grid and clue variations.